U-18 Men Win 2005 Milk Cup with 4-2 Victory Over Northern Ireland

NewsAug 5, 2005

COLERAINE, Northern Ireland (Aug. 5, 2005) - The U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team defeated host Northern Ireland 4-2 this evening in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, behind a hat trick from forward Charlie Davies to win the elite group of the 2005 Milk Cup for the first time.

Northern Ireland took the early lead, but the U.S. rattled off four unanswered goals to run away with the contest. Rodrigo Lopez scored the opening goal off a penalty kick before Davies notched the next three goals.

The U.S. had never won the international youth football tournament, which is hailed as one of the premier soccer events in Europe. The U.S. played in the elite group, which also included Brazil and Serbia & Montenegro.

Northern Ireland scored the opening goal after winning a penalty kick when U.S. goalkeeper Chris Seitz took down a forward in the box, receiving a caution for the foul. Northern Ireland converted the spot kick to take the 1-0 lead.

The U.S. found the equalizer minutes later as they also were awarded a penalty by the referee when a Northern Ireland defender was called for a handball in the box. Lopez stepped up and slotted his attempt past the ‘keeper to begin the USA’s barrage.

Davies, who scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Serbia & Montenegro two day earlier, took over the scoring duties for the rest of the match as he buried two strikes before halftime and then drew a penalty kick in the second half, which he converted to complete his hat trick.

Northern Ireland scored a late goal, but the U.S. was never in danger of relinquishing their lead.

The Milk Cup began in 1983 and added the elite group, which is an invitation only tournament, in 1995. The tournament routinely includes some of the best national youth teams as well as English Premier League squads such as Manchester United, Rangers, Newcastle United and Everton.

A number of famous players have played in the Milk Cup, including David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Nicky Butt and Wayne Rooney who played for Everton in the 2000 Milk Cup. In the 2002 World Cup there were 30 Milk Cup veterans playing.